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BJ Penn Update: UFC legend claims extortion behind sexual allegations

UFC legend BJ Penn has denied any sexual assault allegations made against him by his former employee Pedro Alex Carrasco.

BJ Penn claimed that someone whom he considered family once is now “trying to extort him.”

The sexual allegations were made against the legendary UFC fighter recently and has stalled his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion wants to hold any fight until a decision regarding the matter is made by the investigation team.

A statement responding to the sexual assault was released on BJ Penn’s official website.

Earlier last week, Carrasco ranted on Twitter that the former UFC champion had assaulted his girlfriend.

“He is a family man and father of two young daughters with a known long term girlfriend. It is unfortunate that someone that BJ considered family is trying to extort him.” BJPenn.com reported.

There is a pending investigation in Hilo, Hawaii regarding the matter. A report was made by a 29-year-old woman about an incident which occurred on Aug. 31, 2015, according to Brett Okamoto of ESPN.

Last note on Penn accusation. Report was made in Ohio on Tuesday. Assault allegedly took place early morning, Aug. 31, 2015 in Hawaii.

The official website of BJ Penn also stated that Carrasco was fired from his position because of “unethical behavior”. The severance package which he was given ended on Feb. 16, 2016.

Given that Carrasco went to public just the day before, Penn has criticized the intent of the accusation since it was made so late.

“The allegations that Pedro and his girlfriend are making against BJ Penn simply aren’t true.” the statement read.

It has to be noted that Penn retired from UFC after losing to Frankie Edgar via a technical knockout at “The Ultimate Fighter 19” finale in July 2014. He recently made an announcement of returning back to the sport.

BJ Penn was training at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico to prepare for his return. He was rumored to face Dennis Siver at UFC 197 in April.